neonatal jaundice standard values

Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
Updated on May 07, 2025
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Neonatal jaundice is one of the common symptoms during the neonatal period. It can be a normal physiological phenomenon or a manifestation of certain diseases. Jaundice is generally divided into physiological jaundice and pathological jaundice. Physiological jaundice does not appear very early, progresses slowly, lasts a short time, and is not very severe. Generally, for jaundice monitoring, it is recommended that newborns be closely monitored for changes in jaundice. Jaundice within 24 hours after birth generally does not exceed 6 milligrams per deciliter. From 24 to 48 hours, it generally does not exceed 9, and from 48 to 72 hours it does not exceed 12. After 72 hours, the jaundice level should not exceed 15. If monitoring shows that the jaundice level exceeds the normal range, it is advisable to go to the hospital promptly. The doctor will then determine the specifics of bilirubin levels in the blood. If bilirubin in the blood is indeed elevated, timely intervention and treatment are recommended.

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Written by Yao Li Qin
Pediatrics
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Neonatal jaundice is divided into several types.

Neonatal jaundice, also known as neonatal hyperbilirubinemia, occurs when bilirubin accumulates in the body, causing yellowing of the skin or other organs; it is the most common clinical issue during the neonatal period, with over 80% of normal newborns experiencing some skin yellowing shortly after birth. Neonatal jaundice is mainly divided into physiological jaundice and pathological jaundice. Physiological jaundice is a normal phenomenon. Pathological jaundice, however, includes conditions such as excessive production of bilirubin, metabolic disorders of bilirubin, bile excretion disorders, and various other factors causing pathological jaundice. Thus, pathological jaundice requires active treatment and will not subside on its own.

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Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
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Is neonatal jaundice pneumonia serious?

Neonatal jaundice is one of the common symptoms in the newborn period, especially in early newborns. It can be a symptom of the normal developmental process in newborns or a manifestation of certain diseases. If a newborn has jaundice combined with pneumonia, it is possible that the pneumonia is infectious, and infection is also one of the common causes of jaundice. Therefore, if the inflammation is not controlled, it may repeatedly rebound or continue to rise. If the symptoms of pneumonia are not very severe and the baby is generally in good condition with not particularly high infection indicators, general anti-infective treatment for pneumonia along with corresponding treatment to reduce jaundice will generally have no lasting impact on the baby, as long as it is cured. However, if it is a severe case of pneumonia and the situation is not particularly good, and the jaundice remains very high and severe, it might have a slight impact on the baby later on. If bilirubin encephalopathy occurs, the possibility of neurological sequelae may be greater. Generally, ordinary pneumonia combined with jaundice does not have much impact on the baby.

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Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
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How to test for neonatal jaundice?

Neonatal jaundice is relatively common during the newborn period, with about 80% of full-term babies showing visible yellowing of the skin. Typically, jaundice is measured using a jaundice meter, such devices are available in common community hospitals as well as in major hospitals like People's Hospital or maternity and children's health facilities, or other comprehensive hospitals. This is generally done through transcutaneous bilirubin measurement. If the transcutaneous bilirubin levels are high, it is necessary to determine the specific degree of jaundice, at which point a blood test to check liver function is required to assess the bilirubin levels more precisely.

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Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
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What should be done if a newborn's jaundice is higher than 275?

The newborn's jaundice level has already exceeded 275, indicating that the jaundice is elevated. Typically, when jaundice is high, it is advisable to complete liver function tests to check how high the bilirubin level is in the blood. If the bilirubin in the blood is also definitely above 275, this is certainly pathological jaundice. Pathological jaundice generally suggests going to the hospital, where a specialist in neonatology will guide the treatment based on the baby's specific condition. If the baby presents with other accompanying symptoms, hospital intervention and treatment might be necessary. If the general condition is still good, the doctor might advise you to go home with medication or other interventions, with regular follow-up appointments. It is recommended that parents seek timely hospital intervention for high jaundice levels.

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Written by Yao Li Qin
Pediatrics
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Can neonatal jaundice be effectively treated?

Neonatal jaundice refers to the development of jaundice involving the whole body's skin and mucous membranes in newborns. For physiological jaundice in newborns, it can heal naturally. For pathological jaundice in newborns, with active treatment, including phototherapy, etiological treatment, and when necessary, administration of medications such as albumin and globulin, the more severe cases may require blood exchange treatment. Through the aforementioned treatments, neonatal jaundice can be effectively managed, so parents need not worry. If you notice jaundice in your child, actively take them to the hospital to cooperate with the doctor's treatment. In most cases, a satisfactory treatment outcome can be achieved. Parents can be reassured in this regard. (Please follow the guidance of a specialist for specific medications and do not medicate on your own.)